Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood is hoping to see Christian Eriksen talked into signing a new contract, with Daniel Levy having vowed to “never, ever lose anyone on a free again”.
The Spurs chairman is said to have made that bold declaration after seeing Sol Campball famously cross the north London divide to join Arsenal in 2001.
There is no suggestion that Eriksen could tread a similar path, but he has beenheavily linked with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, Inter and Real Madrid.
Sherwood admits the Denmark international playmaker is good enough to grace any side in the world, but expects Tottenham to do all they can to prevent a move from happening.
The ex-Spurs midfielder and manager told Sky Sports of Eriksen: “He’s a top, top player. He can play for the two giants in Spain, and he could play for any big club. Hopefully, for Tottenham’s sake, those big clubs are not going to be there for him at the end of the season.
“Then, I believe, it’s possible that he could sign a new contract at Tottenham and I really hope for Tottenham’s sake that he does. I remember when I was at Tottenham and Sol Campbell left, Daniel Levy vowed he would never, ever lose anyone on a free again.”
Sherwood added on Eriksen, with the 27-year-old urged to carefully weigh up his options: “He’s run his contract down for a reason, it wouldn’t be a money-motivated reason.
“Christian Eriksen wants to leave the football club because he wants to go to a club where he thinks he can win trophies.
“I believe that’s a difficult task, to find a club better than Tottenham to win trophies
While being of the opinion that Eriksen should be signing a new deal with Spurs, Sherwood concedes that other contract rebels will be seriously considering opportunities elsewhere.
Belgium international defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will see their respective terms expire next summer, with it likely that both will head out of north London.
Sherwood added: “Alderweireld looks like he’s going to move and at 30 years of age, it’s probably his last time, and Jan Vertonghen at 32, it’s probably the last time they’re ever going to fill the till up.
“It’s a short career. They need to do that. Perhaps China. Chinese clubs don’t take defenders very often but the last move of their career, they’re probably waiting for that big one just to come.”